Postoperative care after cataract surgery isn’t as scary as it sounds. In fact, the process is usually quick and easy. The procedure without complications takes around 10 minutes to complete. So what happens after the ophthalmologist is finished working on your eyes?

Immediately After Cataract Surgery

You will be moved into a recovery area immediately after cataract surgery. This is a safe, comfortable place for you to wait until sedation or anesthesia begins to wear off. This part of recovery usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Once you have recovered enough to head home, you will need someone available to drive you. You will not be able to drive immediately after your appointment. Rest is recommended when you get home. Your doctor will advise you on whether or not you need to keep a protective shield over your eye.

Adaptation After Cataract Surgery

Recovery is quick, but there is a period of adaptation after cataract removal. At first, you may notice cloudy, blurry, or distorted vision. Your eye will need to adjust to the intraocular lens that was added.

Patients often describe wavy effects in their vision. This should only continue for about an hour or so. If it persists, you should contact your ophthalmologist.

Your eyes may look bloodshot as well because of blood vessel damage that occurs during the procedure. This is normal and will go away over the course of several days. You may also see bruising on the skin under the eye that can occur if you received an anesthesia injection.

Many experience clear vision hours after surgery. Some may need as much as a week before they start seeing images in sharp focus. You will be provided postoperative care instructions after cataract surgery before going home.

LenSx Cataract Surgery

The LenSx® Laser signifies a bold leap forward in cataract surgery. The first femtosecond laser cleared for use in cataract surgery, it brings image-guided computer precision to refractive cataract surgeons.